TL;DR: To build your first Notion database, create a new page, type “/database” and choose “Table” to generate a full-page database with default properties. Then rename the title column, add properties like Select or Date, and populate a few rows to see how views and filters work.
Step 1: Create the Database
Open any page in Notion and type “/database” on a new line. Select “Table” from the dropdown under “Database.” Notion inserts a full-page database with a Name column and a few empty rows. You can also choose “Inline” if you want the table to sit inside an existing page alongside other content.
If you want to dig deeper, check out our guide on GLP-1 Alternatives Drive New Metabolic Health Market Growth.
Step 2: Name Your Database and Columns
Click the default title at the top and rename it—try “Tasks” or “Reading List.” Next, click the header of the first column to rename “Name” to something specific, like “Task.” This column is always the primary title property and cannot be deleted, but it can be renamed freely.
Step 3: Add Properties
Click the “+” icon at the far right of the column headers to add a new property. Choose a type: Select for categories, Date for deadlines, Checkbox for completion, or Person to assign work. Give each property a clear name. You can drag column edges to resize them and drag headers to reorder properties.
Step 4: Add and Fill Rows
Click any empty row and type a name, then press Tab to move across properties and fill in values. Press Enter to create a new row below. Add five to ten sample entries so you have real data to work with—empty databases make it hard to see how filters and sorts behave.
Step 5: Create Views and Filters
Click the “+” beside your current view name to add a new view, such as Board, Calendar, or Gallery. In any view, click “Filter” to show only rows matching a condition, or “Sort” to order by date or priority. Each view saves its own settings, so your Table can stay comprehensive while a Board view shows only active tasks.
Tips for Success
Keep property types consistent—mixing text into a Select property creates messy options. Use relations only after you are comfortable with basic properties. Finally, duplicate your database as a template if you want to reuse the same structure elsewhere.
FAQ
Q: Can I turn an existing list into a database?
A: Yes. Select your text lines, click the six-dot handle, and choose “Turn into” then “Database” to convert them into rows automatically.
Q: What is the difference between a full-page and inline database?
A: A full-page database occupies an entire page, while an inline database sits inside a page with other blocks. Both share the same features and can be converted into each other.
Q: How many properties should a beginner database have?
A: Start with three to five properties. Adding too many at once makes data entry slow and clutters your views before you understand what you actually need.
Leave a Reply